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Western Territory retired officers gather for annual retreat.
By Leslie Peacock, Major
The Salvation Army Western Retired Officers Association (SAW-ROA) met at Camp Mt. Crags in Southern California May 3-6, for its annual retreat. Special guests Colonels Robert and Gwyneth Redhead, retired officers from Canada, and Major David and Captain Margaret Davis from the Eastern Territory’s School for Officer Training focused on the theme “Join the Dance,” based on Jeremiah 31:4-7.
Combining musical and dramatic talents, the Redheads brought the weekend theme to life through Bible lessons and messages. Robert Redhead also led the SAW-ROA band and songsters, which performed the theme song and other new songs written by the Redheads. Accompanied by the SAW-ROA band, Davis performed selections including “My Tribute” and led the delegates in learning new choruses and songs.
Of 59 attendees, three were over 90 years old: Don Torgerson played cornet in the band, Betty Whiteside beat the drum, and Herb Wiseman shared his wit and gentle spirit.
For 2013, the SAW-ROA elected officers are: Lt. Colonel Don McDougald, president; Major Ron Bawden, 1st vice president; and Major Donna Jackson, 2nd vice president. Continuing appointees include: Major Melba Gilden, secretary; Major Frank Brown, treasurer; Lt. Colonel Mervyn Morelock, chaplain; Lt. Colonel Evelyn Hunter, historian and parliamentarian; and Major Mike Olsen, immediate past president.
“Not only is the retreat a great time of fellowship,” McDougald said, “it is a time of spiritual blessing, refreshment and praise to the Lord.”
The next SAW-ROA retreat is slated for May 2-5, 2013, with guests Commissioners William and Marilyn Francis, with Steve and Barbara Allen and family as musical guests, and a Saturday night celebration with the Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters.
